So long, Insecurity.

     "Don't worry about anything, instead pray about everything...Then you will experience God's peace." 

Philippians 4:6

     A couple of weeks ago I was asked to be a part of a small group at church. I was told that some girls were getting together to read through and discuss a Beth Moore book titled, So Long, Insecurity. Immediately I was intrigued. I mean, just the title had me wanting to jump right in. Anyone who knows me knows that, like most girls, I struggle (majorly) with being insecure. There is so much in the media about how girls are supposed to look, act, dress, talk, think....the list could go on and on! I always tell myself that it doesn't matter what I look like on the outside, its my character that truly counts. Yeah, right! Try telling that to a guy in a bar...or a guy anywhere for that matter. "Hey! I know my friend is much thinner than me, but my personality is killer!" I'm so sure that would work!! Anyways, even though I try to tell myself that it doesn't matter what I look like, or what people think of me, the truth is that I do care. I do worry what people say, or think when I walk in to a room of strangers. "Do these jeans give me a muffin top?" "Should I have left my hair down instead of pulling it up?" "Are my teeth as white as hers?" "Did I just say something stupid, or are they genuinely laughing?" It's constant!!!
     So, when a friend asked if I would be interested in joining this group, I immediately said yes! What I wouldn't give to tell my insecurities good-bye! And how great would it be to discuss this with girls my own age who may share some of the same insecurities. After meeting with them the first night, it is amazing to see how many different types of girls struggle with being insecure. I mean, girls you wouldn't normally think of as having an insecurity of some sort. I'm so excited to learn some things from these girls, and have some one to hold me accountable as a grow towards being more secure. I hope that as I move through each chapter of this book, that I will grow to love myself as God has made me. I know that I will never be perfect, and that there will always be that little voice in my head questioning everything; however, I do hope to learn how to quiet that voice and be a strong and more confident woman.

What I'm Loving....Weekend?

So, since I'm so far behind in my blogging, I thought I'd catch up on some of the things I've been loving. I know it isn't Wednesday, but since it's a holiday today, it's still the weekend. Right?

In no particular order....

I'm loving this church! I'm loving the things that God is doing in my life these days!

I'm loving my new camera!! I have so much fun snapping photos. I'll be uploading some soon! :)

This book is so funny! I need us to be best friends.

Tim Tebow!!! I absolutely love what he stands for and all that he is doing. He is such an inspiration. Also, I've decided that we need to get married. So, if you're reading this, Tim Tebow, I'll be waiting by my phone. ;)

It's basketball season!!!!!! The best season of the year! I'm loving watching my boys play each week. GO TIGERS!

I know, I know. I need a life. But I'm still loving them. They're just perfect.

I'm Alive!!

I know. You were worried. But seriously, it has been too long since my last post!! I mean, really. July? Well let's catch up to speed. Here are some things that I have thought about writing over the past 6 months that I never actually did.

First. Altruria!!
   I can't tell you how blessed I am to now be at Altruria. Part of me wished I could've packed up some of the great teachers that were at Arlington in Jackson and brought them with me. They deserve a good experience too! This school is magical! I walk through the door with a smile on my face each day. This is new to me when it comes to teaching. Yes, I wish I could've slept in, or spent an entire day with some Rotel dip watching Law and Order: SVU. However, I chose to be a teacher. And, while I have a lot to learn over the next 30+ years (woah!), I've decided to enjoy what I do. Yes, it is hard. There is a lot of stuff they don't mention in your college classes. For instance, the fact that you will have students on Compass and Istation intervention that you have to remember, or the fact that a Data Collection log must be filled out and submitted every 2 weeks, or that, hey, some kids don't actually like learning. I'm not complaining. I'm just letting you know that, even though I love my job, I'm not always sunshine and rainbows. However, being at Altruria makes life a lot easier. The family atmosphere is so, so special to me. I love the fact that I am not alone in this endeavor. We don't just close our doors and never see or speak to each other. We work together. And this, is such a relief being a newer teacher. I know that I can ask anyone in the building for help, and they will do everything they can to make me as successful as possible. There's a reason their good teachers! So, to all you teachers at Altruria, thanks. You've made my first year so special. And, to Robbie and Katie, thanks for being newbies with me!

Second. Hope Church
   After almost a year of being back in Memphis, I made the decision to leave the church where I grew up. It was a difficult and scary decision. I hated leaving the people in which I had some fabulous and wonderful memories, but I knew that I needed to focus on myself. I had visited Hope several times throughout the years and I always liked the experience. But, I never felt like I could become a regular. Then in October, my mom and I went to hear a certain series we felt we needed to hear. The Stirring (their Sunday night service) band was leading worship that morning. WOW! I was blown away. For the first time, I truly felt God speaking to me. I suddenly felt at home, and I knew I'd be back. Over the weeks, I started going to their Young Adult Community (YAC). I realized that this is what I was missing at my home church. A group of people my own age who were searching for God's plan for this awkward stage of our life. Now, I don't mean awkward like middle school, in which I looked like Mufasa in Timberland boots with white tube socks and my NSYNC shirt. I'm talking awkward as in first jobs, single, really trying to grow up. Anyways, after a month and a half of realizing that I was getting more out of my relationship with God since being at this church, I decided it was time to make the switch. I know that a church doesn't make you religious, but if it has some good tools to help you along the way, then why not open that toolbox and dig in! I absolutely LOVE being a part of Hope Presbyterian Church!! I can't wait to see what else is in store!

Third. Choir
   I joined the Hope Choir just after Thanksgiving. I forgot how much FUN it is to sing and be a part of a choir. That is all. I just forgot how much fun it was.

I do have some more, however, it's Saturday. It's beautiful, and I need to enjoy it!

Bucket List item...

     Before I die, I WILL fly to Los Angeles and enroll in one of David Moore's classes at the Millennium Dance Complex. He is a dance genius! I can never get enough of his videos! Check more out at http://www.youtube.com/davidmooretv!

What I'm Loving Wednesday....

     I saw a friend do this post a couple of weeks ago, so I thought I would try it out as well! This week I am totally loving summer! 

     This week I have spent every day at the pool! So I am loving laying out in my float and soaking up some sun!

 

     In addition to laying out in the pool, I have spent some major time using the Silhouette SD digital craft cutter. I have thoroughly enjoyed making several things for my classroom in the fall! ...I know. I shouldn't be thinking of school!

     This week I am loving watching The Voice on NBC! I have always been an American Idol fan, but I have grown really tired of how rigged and superficial the show seems to be. What I love about The Voice is that the judges don't see the people singing unless they like them, then they turn around. That way, they are judging strictly their voice! I also love that the judges are actually working with each contestant and giving them great advice to help them become the artist they want to be! Such a great show! I will definitely be watching every week!

       I can't get enough of Karmin! They are a duo who post their music on YouTube. They have some wonderful original songs, but they also do some amazing covers! Here they are doing Chris Brown's Look at Me Now. But another fav is their Lady Antebellum cover of Just a Kiss! They are so good....such a fresh sound!

      Lastly, I am loving Nashville! Due to some great friends getting married every weekend in June, I will be traveling a lot to Nashville! It is such a cool city, and there is so much to do! Every time I have been there, I have never done the same thing twice!

Simply stunning....

Blessed...

Special thanks to some sweet second graders for my Teacher Appreciation Week surprise!

    

      I have been contemplating for a while now whether or not it would be appropriate to write about the school I am currently working at. After today, I have decided to write a little thank you, I guess, to the wonderful people who have taken me under their wings this semester.
   
      I feel blessed beyond belief that I landed this position. I love working with these students because I see that they have inherited an excitement for learning from their wonderful and creative teachers. Each day is such a joy to come to work. I find that I am always smiling and having a great time. So, thank you to all of the teachers who have taken me in and made me feel like part of the family. I can't express enough how much I truly appreciate it.

     As the end of the school year draws near, I get a little nervous as to what the future may hold. I appreciate all of the teachers who are supporting me and rooting for me. You all are such a big help with all of your advice and encouragement. THANK YOU!!!! :)